A SHOPLIFTER caught stealing £600-worth of clothing told security staff who detained him that he “got a buzz” out of his illegal activity.

Blackburn magistrates heard Nial Barton said he knew staff at Boundary Mill in Colne were monitoring his movements around the shop which heightened his excitement.

Barton, 20, of Shakespeare Avenue, Manchester, pleaded guilty to stealing jackets worth £607 from Boundary Mill and theft of a jacket from Trespass in Wakefield. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 150 hours’ unpaid work requirement.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said staff were monitoring Barton as he took garments into the changing rooms on several occasions before leaving without making any attempt to pay. Four jackets were recovered and staff also found a pair of snips which had been used to remove security tags.

When he was interviewed Barton said he had stolen one jacket for himself and three others to sell.